mago
/ˈmaɡo/masculine
The Spanish word for magician is mago.
Mago is used to describe a performer of tricks. It is also the standard word used in fantasy contexts to refer to a wizard or a sorcerer.
Meaning: performer of tricks (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mago can refer to a stage magician, it also functions as the word for a wizard. If you want to emphasize the illusionary aspect of the performance, you might use ilusionista.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is mago. To refer to a female magician, use maga. For a group consisting of only female magicians, use magas. If you are referring to a group of male magicians or a mixed group of men and women, use magos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaɡo/
When do people say it?
The term is central to the tradition of Los Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men), who bring gifts on Epiphany in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Did you know?
- The word mago has two distinct origins: one borrowed from Latin and another from the language of the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands.
- In Spain, the arrival of Los Reyes Magos on January 6 is often a more significant gift-giving holiday for children than Christmas Day.
- The word mago is a cognate of the English word 'mage', which is used primarily in fantasy literature rather than everyday speech.
Examples in context
- Yo no soy mago.I'm not a magician.This sentence uses mago to state that one is not a magician.Tatoeba #1061432 by hayastan, translation #885394 by CK
- ¿Él es un mago?Is he a magician?This sentence uses mago to ask if someone is a magician.Tatoeba #4597998 by cueyayotl, translation #4597896 by Ricardo14
- Yo quiero ser un mago.I want to be a magician.This sentence uses mago to express a desire to be a magician.Tatoeba #1237452 by marcelostockle, translation #258471 by CK
- El mago hizo desaparecer el conejo.The magician made the rabbit disappear.
- El prestidigitador realizó trucos fascinantes durante su espectáculo.The magician performed fascinating tricks during their show.
- Ese mago es increíblemente talentoso.That magician is incredibly talented.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are watching a street performance.
- Elena¿Viste lo que hizo ese mago?Did you see what that magician did?
- DanielSí, es un mago muy talentoso.Yes, he is a very talented magician.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿crees que sea real?Daniel, do you think it is real?
- DanielNo, es solo el truco de un mago.No, it is just a magician's trick.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “magician” translations and entries mago, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
